Second-placed Dunfermline preserved their 11-point buffer over the chasing pack with a comfortable 3-0 win over Ayr United.

Ross Forbes put the Pars ahead inside eight minutes when he found the bottom right corner of the net from long range.

Lawrence Shankland doubled Dunfermline's advantage on the stroke of half time with a low drive from the edge of the box and he sealed the victory late on after another sweetly struck shot nestled in the top corner.

Stranraer also maintained their push to seal a playoff place, thanks to Martin Grehan's first-half hat-trick at Brechin City.

Andrew Jackson pulled a goal back for the hosts just after the interval, but the Dumfries side held on to move three points clear of Ayr.

Bottom-of-the-table Arbroath were beaten 3-2 at home to Forfar, but almost snatched a point with a late fightback.

Gavin Swankie's second-half brace looked to have put the result beyond doubt, before Alan Cook and Leighton McIntosh netted for the hosts, but the visitors saw the game out.

Airdrieonians remain four points behind East Fife in tenth after they were held to a goalless draw by Methil-based outfit.

Results in full: Arbroath 2-3 Forfar, Brechin 1-3 Stranraer, Dunfermline 3-0 Ayr, East Fife 0-0 Airdrieonians, Rangers 3-3 Stenhousemuir